News-Times, The (Danbury, CT)

Published 7:00 pm, Thursday, January 20, 2005

Ronald Rajcok, 31, formerly of Fort Hill Road in New Milford, is the sixth person convicted in the 1997 case.

The cases of two other defendants are pending (see box).

Mr. Rajcok's plea was made Jan. 13 at Litchfield Superior Court.

Mr. Rajcok's sentencing is set for April 29, when his lawyer, Eroll Skyers, can argue on behalf of his client for as little as 25 years in prison. The most Mr. Rajcok could get under this plea agreement is 42 years.

Prosecutor David Shepack said he would recommend the maximum punishment.

Mr. Rajcok was convicted on charges of felony murder, first-degree kidnapping, conspiracy to commit first-degree kidnapping, risk of injury and tampering with a witness.

He entered an Alford plea, which means he doesn't admit guilt but acknowledges there is enough evidence to convict for a felony murder charge and one of the kidnapping charges.

After several defendants confronted Maryann at the Big Y supermarket in New Milford Oct. 19, 1997, she got into Mr. Rajcok's car, and he drove her to River Road in in the Boardman district of New Milford, where she was raped and strangled, according to authorities.

Mr. Rajcok knew Maryann would suffer at least a physical assault when she got to River Road, Mr. Shepack said.

Also, witnesses indicate Mr. Rajcok was present while Maryann was assaulted, he said.

Mr. Rajcok has changed his story several times as to whether he was present at River Road during the assault, Mr. Shepack said.

After Maryann was killed on River Road, ringleader A.J. Walter, Deaneric Dupas III and Keith Foster wrapped her body in a blanket with electrical tape, chains and a padlock and dumped it in the Housatonic River.

Mr. Dupas was sentenced Jan. 11 to 47 years in prison for his role.

Mr. Skyers said Mr. Dupas' sentence had an influence on Mr. Rajcok's decision to avoid going to trial. Mr. Rajcok had hoped for a plea that would have yielded between 10 and 15 years in prison.

Cindi Measles, the victim's mother, said she is happy Mr. Rajcok accepted the plea. She said she didn't expect it to happen this quickly, but she is nonetheless pleased.

"It feels good," Ms. Measles said. "It's a relief I won't have to go all the way to Waterbury and deal with a trial for five to six weeks, every day."

Actual testimony was scheduled to occur in Waterbury Superior Court once the jury was selected in Litchfield.